Electrical Noise Reduction in Personal Grounding Systems

Abstract

A system, method, and apparatus for reducing or isolating electric noise in personal grounding systems. An example method includes placing a diode between the personal grounding device and the grounding circuitry of a structure. The method also includes modifying or tuning the electrical components to specifically reduce bands of noise present in different circuits (60 Hz in North America versus 50 Hz in Europe, for example). The method further includes enclosing the components within the cord of the personal grounding system or a separate enclosure that would be plugged in serial between the personal grounding device and the structure's grounding circuitry. The method moreover includes a variety of different physical plug types including round pins or flat blades to adapt to any existing electrical outlet around the world.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . In a process for reducing human user exposure to electrical noise in a personal grounding device having a grounding strap physically connected at a first end to a human user and electrically connected at a second end of a connecting cord to a grounding circuit of a building, the improvement comprising:
 electrically interposing a diode between the grounding strap and said grounding circuit of said building.   
     
     
         2 . A process according to  claim 1  wherein said personal grounding device further comprises a resistor between said diode and said second end. 
     
     
         3 . A process according to  claim 2  wherein said resistor and said diode are selected or tuned to block 60 Hz signal noise. 
     
     
         4 . A process according to  claim 1  wherein the components are embodied either within the cord of the personal grounding device or a separate unit plugged in serial between the grounding strap and said grounding circuit. 
     
     
         5 . In a personal grounding device comprising a wrist strap configured to be worn by a human user that is electrically connected at a first end of an electrically conductive cord which is connected a second end of said cord to a connector plug configured to fit into an outlet having an installed grounding circuit, the improvement comprising:
 a diode that is electrically interposed between said grounding strap and said grounding circuit.   
     
     
         6 . A grounding device according to  claim 5  wherein said diode is adjacent said first end. 
     
     
         7 . A grounding device according to  claim 5  wherein said diode is located between said plug and said grounding circuit.